If you or someone you love is newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you may feel overwhelmed by your “new normal.” At the Blessing Diabetes Center, we know that managing your blood sugar is just the beginning of successful diabetes care.

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From how to eat to best control your blood sugar to avoiding potential health complications, there is a lot that goes into the day-to-day managing of diabetes. We are here to support you every step of the way.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that accounts for 5 percent of all diabetes cases. Here’s what you should know about this condition:

What it means: When someone has Type 1 diabetes, it means the body does not make enough (or any) insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for processing sugar. Because of this, people with Type 1 diabetes must closely monitor what they eat as well as their daily activities, since strenuous activity can affect blood sugar levels.

How it is managed: People with Type 1 diabetes need to manually provide their bodies with insulin every day to manage their blood sugar levels. You can use shots or an insulin pump to deliver insulin through a catheter under your skin.

How it compares to Type 2 diabetes:Previously known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes often presents later in adulthood. In Type 2 diabetes, the body has trouble using insulin effectively, called insulin resistance. It is important to note that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can develop in people of all ages. Learn more about Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can sometimes be mistaken for the flu or another routine health condition. If left untreated, these symptoms can become life-threatening. However, with prompt care, Type 1 diabetes can be treated and managed well for a lifetime.

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. The most common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are:

Extreme thirst followed by frequent bathroom trips

Sleepiness or lack of energy

Sudden weight loss that is unintentional

Blurry vision or other sudden changes in your eyesight

Irritability or other severe mood swings

Our Diabetes Care: Experience the Blessing Difference

With our top-notch self-management program, we make it easy for newly diagnosed patients to control their blood sugar effectively. After they are diagnosed, people come to us to master all the details involved in living well with diabetes.

Patients choose the Blessing Diabetes Center because of our:

Convenience: Our Diabetes Center staff includes a range of specialists all in one place, from diabetes educators and nurses to podiatrists and pharmacists. You spend less time and energy on travel so you can focus more on your health. Learn more about our team.

Accredited education program: Our 7-week self-management program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association, which means it meets stringent guidelines that reflect the latest research. This accreditation translates into a high quality of care and the most effective recommendations for patients.

Care that focuses on you:Our care starts with an in-depth one-on-one analysis with our nurse that assesses your strengths and challenges. From there, we come up with solutions that fit your unique lifestyle, then help you follow the plan.

Family focus: Support is a critical part of diabetes management. By encouraging family participation in our education program, we help everyone get on board with practical cooking tips and lifestyle recommendations that benefit the entire family unit.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment or refer a patient, please call(217) 223-8400, ext. 5900.